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PNG games rated the best Pacific Games

The facilities were classed as world class and there was a rush to finish them. There were security concerns which the Papua New Guinea Government quashed by having the police and military on the streets.

In Fiji, sporting bodies were getting their best together.

According to FASANOC president Joe Rodan, the Pacific Games was almost equivalent to the Olympic Games for some sports and for some island nations as well.

This was to be my first trip to Papua New Guinea, the "Land of the Unexpected" and believe me I was a bit anxious.

PNG continues to impress at World Games

In recent results, PNG’s Winnifred Kehono finished 6th in the women's 100m finals Division 1. Grace Dindillo also finished 7th in 100m finals of division 18.

Over 170 countries are taking part in the World Games with 7000 plus athletes competing in different sports.

Special Olympics PNG (SOPNG) President, Takale Tuna said for all of PNG’s athletes to make the finals in their individual events is a phenomenal feat.

 “They have been placing 4th 5th 6th and 7th in events they entered which means PNG is in the top 10 countries in the World Games,” said Tuna.

US Ambassador: People have power to eliminate human trafficking

Speaking today at the National Library to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, North said PNG just like any other country was a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour.

But he said that PNG had made significant progress in the fight against human trafficking,  moving from being ranked Tier 3 in 2008 to now Tier 2-Watchlist based on the 2015 US Trafficking in Persons Report.

Trukai pays K65,000 in incentives for weightlifters

Trukai announced on the eve of the Games as an incentive that 5000 kina would be given to every PNG weightlifter that won gold. 

13 gold medals were won in weightlifting. 15 000 of the 65 000 kina went to Thelma Mea Toua who snared three gold medals.

Trukai general manager of sales and marketing Andrew Daubney said Trukai had no doubt in PNG’s weightlifters during the Games and would continue this support into the future.

“13 gold medals is outstanding. Providing incentives for athletes pushes them to train harder and come out triumphant,” said Daubney.

Human trafficking high in Marshalls, PNG and Solomons

The country ranks the worst out of all island Pacific nations in the US State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report 2015.

The Marshall Islands' poor record revolves around the capital Majuro's role as a port of call for foreign fishing and transhipping vessels.

It says Marshall Islands girls are recruited by foreign business owners to engage in prostitution with crew members of the vessels.

It also says some Chinese women are recruited with promises of legitimate work and forced into prostitution after paying large recruitment fees.

PNG Business summit to be held in Australia

The summit will be an impressive 2-day program that will feature presentations, panel discussions and Questions and Answer sessions with international business leaders.

Some of the topics will include how businesses operating in PNG can benefit from emerging technology, PNG's next wave of gas development, and opportunities for business in provincial development.

PNG’s men’s boxers punch their way to six gold medals

The biggest cheers of the night belonged to PNG’s Jonathan Keama in the men’s middleweight division.

Keama brought roars of joy from the crowd when he beat his Tahitian opponent Tautuarii Nena by a technical knockout in the second round.

PNG’s other five gold medals came from Charles Keama in light fly, Lui Magaiva in the fly, Henry Uming in bantam, Thadius Katua in light and Tom Boga in light welter.

15 year old wins gold in women’s steeplechase

Papua New Guinea finished first and second, ahead of the 2011 gold medallist from French Polynesia (Tahiti).

The Chimbu lass won her race in 11:26.51 seconds, while experienced distance runner from PNG, Poro Gahekave came second (11:31.66s) and Tahitian, Heiata Brinkfield clocked 12:01:09s finished third.

In 2011, PNG did not win any medals in this event.

Meanwhile in the field events yesterday, PNG made a clean sweep of medals in the women’s long jump event.

PNG misses out on gold play off in women’s volleyball

The home side was defeated by American Samoa 3-1 to settle for the bronze play off on Saturday.

PNG win bronze in men's soccer

PNG took a 1-0 lead after the 8th minute of play when Patrick Aisa powered a kick into the nets.

PNG held on to the lead going into half time.

Fiji came out stronger in the second half and dominated possession early on in the game.

This resulted in the equalizer in the 53rd minute through Tony Tuivuna.

The game looked to be going towards a draw with three minutes extra time given.